This Wednesday, another Republican ventured into the pseudo-scientific rhetoric about rape that has caused the GOP so many woes — possibly even contributing to the loss of the 2012 election.

Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz), who introduced a measure that would ban abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, made the comments when Democrats introduced an amendment requiring the measure to make exceptions for rape and incest.

“Before, when my friends on the left side of the aisle here tried to make rape and incest the subject — because you know, the incidence of rape resulting in pregnancy are very low.” Franks said.

“But when you make that exception, there’s usually a requirement to report the rape within 48 hours,” Franks continued. “And in this case that’s impossible because this is in the sixth month of gestation. And that’s what completely negates and vitiates the purpose for such an amendment.”

Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee considering the measure were quick to compare Franks’ comments to those of Todd Akin (R-Mo) back in 2012.

“I just find it astonishing to hear a phrase repeated that the incidence of pregnancy from rape is low,” Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) said. “There’s no scientific basis for that. And the idea that the Republican men on this committee can tell the women of America that they have to carry to term the product of a rape is outrageous.”

3 Comments

Bob Cull

June 12, 2013 at 6:51 pm

I would like to hear from Congressman Franks just how many pregnancies from rape would be required to make it a legitimate exception to his law. It must be a very high number because studies have shown that there are over 30,000 pregnancies per year as the result of rape. But he calls that an insignificant number. Typical low/no information Teapub!